>>5766180
>>Altair, a human, thankfully. It’s easy to blend in most of the time. [Choose M or F]
Transwoman

>>5766180

>Altar, a tiefling, it’s hard to find people who tolerate you, even more to find friends which you have yet to make. At least plants don’t hate you. Sometimes you wish you were a druid. [Choose M or F]

Male

>>5766180
>Altar, a tiefling, it’s hard to find people who tolerate you, even more to find friends which you have yet to make. At least plants don’t hate you. Sometimes you wish you were a druid. [Choose M or F]

Female

>>5766180
>>Altair, a human, thankfully. It’s easy to blend in most of the time. [Choose M or F]
F

>>5766180
>Altair, a human, thankfully. It’s easy to blend in most of the time. [Choose M or F]
Male

>>5766192

Supporting

>>5766180
>Altair, a human, thankfully. It’s easy to blend in most of the time. [Choose M or F]
Male

>>5766336
+1

>>5766180
>Altair, a human, thankfully. It’s easy to blend in most of the time. [Choose M or F]

>>5766356
Male btw

>>5766180
>Antila, a half-orc, people tend to be afraid or hate you from the start. The best interaction is when people are indifferent towards you. First impression is mostly apprehension.
M

>>5766180
>Altair, a human, thankfully. It’s easy to blend in most of the time.
Male

>>5766180
>Altar, a tiefling, it’s hard to find people who tolerate you, even more to find friends which you have yet to make. At least plants don’t hate you. Sometimes you wish you were a druid. [M]

>>5766336
>>5766347
>>5766357
>>5766409

Counted

You are Altair, a human, that much was a blessing at least. Still, the best interaction is when people are indifferent towards you. First impression is mostly apprehension. Your mother raised you on her own. You never knew your father, except that he was in a famous adventurer band. She was most likely a quick lay to that bastard.

A heavy sigh escapes your lips, The twinge of anger and pain disappears as you look up to the skyless sky. Despite your dour mood, the weather was good at least. With a large sackpack and sheathed weapons, you walk through the courtyard.

“A Bloodletter, filthy blood mage.”

Insults you hear and gazes you are used to. To quote from your mentor ‘same shit different.’ At the giant statue of Arthur Argent, the founder of the academy, you wait for one of the professors. And wait. Then wait a little more. After what it felt like half an hour, you wonder if it was worth waiting at all. You look down at the well paved stone floor, the trimmed field of grass, and the wandering students. Elves, dwarves, humans, you spot few minority races such as gnomes and halflings, even some beast-folks.

You were sure the chancellor said to wait here to meet a professor here… What’s taking the professor so long?

>>5766594
>Keep waiting.
>Don't, you knew they wouldn't bother anyways

>>5766594
>Keep waiting.

>>5766628
>>Keep waiting.

>>5766628
>>Keep waiting.

>>5766674
>>5766668
>>5766638
>>5766636

Counted

You chose to keep waiting. It'd be rude to leave, you represent all Bloodletters. Not that you know any other than your mentor. If the chancellor told you to wait here, then you’d wait here.

“Mr.Altair!”

A portly human male approached you. The man sported a bald spot, his clothes stretched and begged to be released. Tucked into his arm was a pile of parchments, the man adjusted his thick rimmed glasses. Despite his stature, you noticed a pair of hatchets on each side and his calloused hands.

“I’m professor Harold Hoffman, I do apologize for being late. I was rather engrossed in my research.”

“That’s no problem at all professor.”

“Such a polite young man. Come, come, I’ll introduce you to this wonderful facility!”

You followed the professor in the cafeteria first. A spacious area with mouthwatering scents. Steamed corn, sizzling meat, crunchy salads, and freshly baked goods. Infinitely better than hardtack.

“By the way, I don’t see your weapon with you.”

“It was broken during a hunt I’m afraid.”

He patted your back.

“No worries, that’s what the armory is for! It seems like I know the next palace to take you. What’s your combat doctrine?”

>Hit hard and harder. [Two handed weapons]
>Versatility [One handed weapons with ranged weapon]
>A good offense is a good defense [Shield and one handed weapon]
>A good defense is a good offense [Dual wielding]

>>5766694
>>Hit hard and harder. [Two handed weapons]

>>5766694
>Versatility [One handed weapons with ranged weapon]
We can always carry more than one melee weapon on hand if need be. Knives, hatchets, and mauls of different kinds are common.

>>5766694
>>Hit hard and harder. [Two handed weapons]

>>Hit hard and harder. [Two handed weapons]

>>5766694

>Versatility [One handed weapons with ranged weapon]

Best defense is killing them before they can get to melee range!

>>5766707
>>5766706
>>5766698

As a fan of strength builds and two handed weapons. Hell yeah.

>>5766694
>Versatility [One handed weapons with ranged weapon]
Range is king

Looks like it's tied.

votes are already counted forgot to say that otherwise I wouldn't list them

“Hit hard and harder. I prefer two handed weapons.”

“You certainly have the brawn for it.” Professor Harland said. “Your preferred tools of war?”

You shrugged. You learned that method in combat did not matter as long as it worked. Ax, dane ax, clubs, and if you were lucky a greatsword. Though you preferred weapons that weren’t too long. As long as it could cut or crush and fit your hands. That’s all that mattered.

“An ax. It’s cheap and reliable.”

“A gentleman’s weapon. Capital, just capital. An all around duelist. To the armory.”

The grounds of Calamitas equaled that of a castle. Pillars of stone, glass windows, metal doors, not to mention the fresh food and the chandeliers. In an open field, the forge roared, the radiating heat soaked into your skin.

“Ah, Anders!”

The old dwarf grunted, wearing a black smith’s work clothes and an apron. You’d question how his hair and beard did not get caught on fire, but you chalked it up to being a dwarf thing.

“How are you my old friend?”

“Gmph.” He grunted.

“Splendid. This is Altair, the Bloodletter. He’s in need of a new weapon.”

The old dwarf’s eyes locked into yours, then pointed his hammer at the weapon rack then returned to work.

“Excellent. Go on then choose your weapon.”

You settled for a simple one sided ax with an iron pommel. The weapon appeared simple compared to rapiers and glaives, but you were a simple man.

“These are well made.”

The old smith nodded, then returned to work. The rest of the tour ended without an incident and finally arrived to your quarters.

“While most students are housed, the Headmaster knows your ways require a bit of… privacy. It’s not much but I hope you won’t mind.”

The room was clean, while it had no window thanks to being in the basement the free space made up for it. A bed and a table was all you needed after all.

“What about an alchemy set?”

“You can conduct alchemy in the alchemy laboratory my dear boy.”

“I’ll see to it tomorrow then. Thank you for being so kind.”

The professor shook your hand firmly with a nod.

“You’re not the Bloodletter I’ve met during my youth. I know your order can be a bit… crude but you are still allies. If you need anything, feel free to visit me.”

“I will.”

Settling in did not take long with how little you travel, you have plenty of time to explore. What to do?

>Go to the cafeteria
>Go to the alchemy laboratory
>Walk around the academy
>Sleep the day away

>>5766737
>Go to the alchemy laboratory

>>5766737

>Go to the alchemy laboratory

We begin our lifelong quest to create magic steroids

>>5766737
>Go to the alchemy laboratory
If we insist on using CCQ weapons exclusively, it might be a smart idea to make something to break tougher armor or help us close the distance reliably and for cheap. Firecrackers, shrapnel bombs, flash bombs, or maybe even something more arcane.

>>5766737
>Go to the alchemy laboratory

>>5766742
>>5766746
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OZ-JOSWx1Q&ab_channel=Tevvez

As a /fit/ fag I do not condone steroids, but to condone the quest to be big

>>5766752
Wrong place anon

>>5766777
Trips

>>5766781

Votes counted

The alchemy laboratory smelled earthy, you did not smell any sulfur or see any bombs. Then again, that was the Bloodletter’s alchemy. You saw more poison than healing potions. The laboratory was a separate building connected with a greenhouse. You walked through the green house, seeing common plants such as nightkiss to rare flowers like black tongue. You had to admire the pristine care.

“You have such pretty petals.”

You saw a hooded girl, around your age so maybe sixteen or seventeen. You saw her calloused fingers caress the flower, and on other hand a staff. Half elf maybe? They tend to be connected to nature more, though not as elves. Then again, half-elves are uncommon, maybe a human. Not that it mattered.

“Pardon me…”

“Oh.” The girl alarmingly looked at you. “You’re the exchange student. The b-bloodletter.”

“Yes. I’m Altair. Nice to meet you.”

You waited for a handshake but put it away after a moment.

“You are not welcomed here. The plants are delicate, I hear bloodletters suck the essence where they go I-I’m sorry.”

“That’s not true…”

“Please leave.” She whispered, shaking. “T-They’re my only friends so please. I’ll… I’ll fight you if you don’t,”

“Alright alright.”

There goes that plan…

>The cafeteria, you want something sweet now…
>The training grounds you need some venting out
>Blast it all, you’re going to sleep

>>5766786
Just ignore him, he is a common no life spammer.
>>5766840
>The cafeteria, you want something sweet now…

>>5766840
>The training grounds you need some venting out
Get the blood vessels pumping.

>>5766840
>The training grounds you need some venting out

>>5766840
>The cafeteria, you want something sweet now…
>Eat clean- squash, chicken, and a salad with cucumbers and tomatoes. There must be discipline.

>>5766840
>>The cafeteria, you want something sweet now…

>>5766944
>>5766899
>>5766846

The inner fit fag wants to something healthy

Vegetables, meat, and all in between. And a small muffin for indulgence. You ate your frustration away. Everything that the bloodletters did, and this was the treatment. You expected from fighters, an understanding from one evil slayer to another. You hoped too much. The spoonful of vegetables and meat are shoveled in, and you ignore the disgusted look. They were already disgusted by you anyways.

You return to your quarters and wake up the next morning. You wake up in sweat with no recollection of the nightmare as always. After a quick wash and break fast you check you first class: Homeroom. Whatever that meant.

“Hey look, it’s the bloodletter.”

The classroom had rows of long tables with seats like a lecture hall. You take a seat closest to the exit at the upper left corner. Students soon filled the room, the next two seats and one in front of you were empty. Don’t let it get to you Altair… this is the new norm.

“Good morning, morning Hexalia, Frederick, morning.” The human teacher briskly walked to the podium. “Some morning announcements, the training hall will be on maintenance today, the armory club is still looking for new recruits as well as the poison club. Oh and…”

The black bagged eyes look at you, then sigh. He ran his hand on his curly and unkempt hair.

“We got a new student joining us. Altai, he is a Bloodletter sent by his order to exchange arcane and martial knowledge.”

“Hello.”

You wave, which were met with the usual. Your first class was-

>Advanced Monster Hunting
>Advanced Alchemy
>General Education: History

>>5766986
>Advanced Monster Hunting

>>5766986
>>General Education: History

>>5766986
>Advanced Monster Hunting

>>5766986
>Advanced Alchemy

>>5766986
>Advanced Monster Hunting

>>5766986
>>Advanced Monster Hunting

>>5767380
>>5767257
>>5767084
>>5767011

Counted

Advanced Monster Hunting. You weren’t sure if they were basic and advanced, there was just hunting. Compared to your mentor you were just a fledgling at tracking and identifying. Ghouls, alghouls, specters, phantoms, an encyclopedic knowledge was required to be a successful Bloodletter.

“Come on, we don’t have all day.”

Professor Harland waited for the students to gather. The seats filled in, and as always you sat alone. You had a sinking feeling that’d be the norm.

“Now, our last lecture left us on chimera and chimerons. Does anyone know the difference?”

Many hands were raised, all eager to participate.

“We’ll start from the left upper corner and on. Mr.Altair. Just tell me what you know.”

Oh come on… You stood from your seat. Though it looked like he meant well.

“No need to stand but I love your enthusiasm!”

The snickers around you did not hurt thanks to the professor, you remained standing/

“Chimerons have patterns because they were made from sorcery so patterns can be seen along with weaknesses. Chimeras are demons who took forms of animals with extra features. Chimerons require killing the caster or using poison to destabilize the biology or the magicules. Chimera are as simple as killing it using the usual methods.”

“What is the usual methods?”

“Bludgeoning, stabbing, slashing, burning, explosions, maybe a mix of all. Maybe a destabilization brew.”

“Splendid. Have you encountered any?”

“A few. Mostly with my mentor.” You said with a shrug.

“Capital.”

The lecture continued, you saw a crumpled paper tossed your way. A student waved and motioned you to open the paper.

‘Is it true that you killed a chimeron and chimera?’

You reply back.

‘I did. Why do you ask?’

The hooded student caught the note then threw it back. You notice the hood being slightly pitched up.

‘They almost killed my family. A chimerons that is. I’ll give you a description later.’

You replied with

>‘Maybe during lunch?’
>‘After school.’
>‘I have history class, can we talk as we go?’

>>5767436
>>‘I have history class, can we talk as we go?’

>>5767436
>‘Maybe during lunch?’

>>5767436
>Maybe during lunch?’

>>5767436
>I have history class, can we talk as we go?’

>>5767436
>‘Maybe during lunch?’
Let's listen to this guy for a bit. The last thing we need is turning suspicion from other classmates into animosity. Speaking of which, we should keep an eye on that plant girl and make sure she doesn't "erupt."

>>5767436
>>‘Maybe during lunch?’

>>5767465
>>5767471
>>5767661

Counted

‘Maybe during lunch?’

The hooded student caught the note then threw it back. You notice the hood being slightly pitched up.

‘Sure.’

The next class was General Education: History. The lecture was fascinating, you never learned about the land you lived in. You knew some history, but nothing about the king, the religion and the hierarchy of the religion in full detail. You went through five pages and two inkwells writing them all.

“I bet he doesn’t even know the first king’s name.”

A whisper, just loud enough to hear… just keep writing.

“Mr.Altair. Can you tell us the knight that fought in the first Black Flood?”

“Uh… I’m sorry professor. I don’t know.”

The gnome professor huffed and smugly smiled.

“Right, I expected as much. Do not worry, I’ll go through the details.”

The professor continued without addressing the snickers.

“Then the chimeron known as Strix was defeated by Pelanir who was soon to be the first Grand Master of the Paladins.”

Hold on… why didn’t he mention Victor Ironwood? It was the first Grand Master of your order and Pelanir.

>Correct him here
>Correct him later
>Don’t bother with it

>>5767786
>Correct him here

>>5767786
>>Don’t bother with it
Our folk've been stricken from the records. Noone'd believe it, even if it's the truth.

>>5767786
>>Correct him here

>>5767786
>Don’t bother with it

>>5767786
>correct him after class
Quest is interesting so far QM, keep it up!

>>5767786
>>Correct him here

>>5767786
>Correct him here
Let's ask him in a way that sounds curious rather than poking his ego.

>"In regards to the first Grand Masters, what of Victor Ironwood?"

>>5768036
>>5767977
>>5767843
>>5767839

Counted

>>5767902
Thank you anon, I appreciate it.

You raise your hand and wait. Then wait. Then wait some more.

“Yes?”

“What about Victor Ironwood?”

The gnome professor twirled the chalk in his hand.

“Ah yes, your so-called Grandmaster.” He said with a sneer. “There is no real record he was there.”

“But he was.”

“And who told you this?”

“My mentor.”

The class snickered.

“Your mentor.” The professor chuckled. “I think we are all past our age where we blindly trust our mentor. Especially when one is nobody.”

You sit back down. You were certain your mentor’s name was known well, though not in a good way. There was no point in correcting someone who refused to reason. The arena of Advanced Combat was half filled with students ranging from first to fourth years. It made sense, only skilled mattered in advanced classes.

The combat instructor stood tall, a goliath of light blue skin with rippling muscles. True to his race, maybe as a defiance against the established culture, he wore fur armor. A tribalistic appearance that marauders and savages would wear.

“Students.” The goliath spoke with a deep rumbling voice. “Do I have any volunteers today?”

You heard whispers.

“What’s he doing in advanced class?”

“I heard he’s in the advanced alchemy too.”

“As if he’s like us.”

“I will volunteer.”

A blonde half elf stood with long shimmering hair, visage of a beauty as if carved by a master sculptor.

“Mh. Altair. You’re up as well.”

After changing into practice armor with a blunted ax and dagger, you faced the half-elf armed with a blunted rapier.

"Begin!"

>Keep her away with your ax and be defensive
>Goad her in, one grapple is all you need
>You weren't that slow, rapier has no use when the enemy was close

>>5768247
We're dealing with Arcanum gnomes, I see.

>Goad her in, one grapple is all you need
Judging from the common sentiment in the class, she likely underestimates us, even more so because she's part elf. Watch her moves attentively and leave multiple ways out of her strikes. We don't need to go for a grapple either; a leg sweep or pommel strike is just as humbling.

>>5768247
>You weren't that slow, rapier has no use when the enemy was close
All we need is a lucky parry or something and we can get in close and clock her pretty face

Just making it clear, the teacher called you to participate. Not the girl.

>>5768247
>Goad her in, one grapple is all you need

>>5768247
>>Goad her in, one grapple is all you need

>>5768519
>>5768464
>>5768262

Counted

The half elf charged, her lithe figure and speed prodded your defense. You continue to dodge her attacks. You gradually make the distance longer, rapiers may be a long weapon but that also meant the user had to extend their body.

“Hah!”

You side step the third swing then parry the next. She began her unrelenting offense. The rapier;s blade whipped, wildly dancing without reservation. Then, a long thrust, you side step and grab her arm.

“Khgh!”

You squeeze your hand then swiftly move behind her. A simple choke hold would work, against a bandit that is. You put your feet forward between her legs then sweep her down. You heard the crowd let out a ‘ooh’ as they winced. After all, she fell face forward to the pavement along with the weight of your body.

“He’s a damn reprobate!”

“Pervert!”

“That’s dishonorable, this is a battle of prowess!”

Wait.What? They can’t be serious.

>Finish it off by choking her down
>Release her, fight her “fairly”
>Let go of her, then immediately pommel strike her

>>5768676
>>Finish it off by choking her down
At this point it'd be rude not to. We'd be toying with her to let her go, and we're going to look like an ass either way, so we may as well keep her on the ground.

>>5768676
>Finish it off by choking her down
Clearly they don't understand, but the instructor does which is why he picked us, show them how to finish a fight

>>5768676
>Finish it off by choking her down

>>5768738 has a point. The goliath probably sympathizes with us somewhat, but more pertinent to the situation, wanted to show the class what to expect in the real world. When you run into some maniac or bandit, they're not going to care about "honor." They're going to care about the kill. Martial arts are arts, but violence is just violence.

>>5768721
>>5768738
>>5768756

Counted

The choking half elf raised her hand and aimed her palm toward your face. The moment the palm began to glow you switch the choke hold. You put your hand on your arm and then hand on her head then lean forward. She wasn’t tapping, and you weren’t going to release her. Wait. Your dagger. You pull the practice dagger from your hip then aim toward her throat.

“I won. Give it up.”

Instead, she slammed her palm on the ground. A sudden explosion struck you. You begin to cough and find yourself in the smoke. A flinch was all required for her to slip out of your grasp and into the smoke.

“Great…”

You hold your ax, and close your eyes.

“What’s going on?”

“I can’t see anything!”

Remember what your mentor taught you. Being blinded or being in the dark was not your first time. You may not have a torch, but you have your ears. Which direction? What attacks? Not to mention, if she casted her magic shouldn’t you? You only mastered three… the rest were still weak.

>Don’t cast magic, if she beat you it only shows she needed magic.
>Cast Hemocraft 1: Waning Blood-Moon [Make your reaction faster, a risky but a high reward spell in this situation]
>Cast Hemocraft 2: Red Tremor [Send a shockwave all around, clearing the smoke and possible staggering the half-elf]
>Cast Hemocraft 3: Full Blood-Moon [Form a shield around you for an easier counter attack]

>>5768821
>Don’t cast magic, if she beat you it only shows she needed magic.
Probably expects a spell

>>5768821
>Don’t cast magic, if she beat you it only shows she needed magic.
Hes got a good point, and shes probably got good hearing. Bloodletters are famous for the ol hemocraft. We still have the dagger too right. Use it as a throwaway to make some noise she can focus on with those half-elf ears, then get her.

>>5768821
>Don’t cast magic, if she beat you it only shows she needed magic.

>>5768926
>>5768915
>>5768901

Counted

You toss your dagger far into the smoke and wait. You hear footsteps and take the opportunity. She’s not there… and a practice blade is at your throat. She snapped her finger, and the smoke clears away. The crowd roars, chanting her name.

“Adaene! Adaene! Adaene!”

This was fine. Hemocraft takes blood, the essence of life. This was sparring.

“She showed him!”

“Adaene has such a keen mind!”

“And a great swordswoman!”

At least this time, they weren’t disparaging you.

“Quiet!”

The professor’s voice roared. The students ceased their cheers.

“The winner is Adaene. But…”

A stream of whispers filled the room. The professor raised his hand and the class quiets down.

“Adaene and Altair step forward.”

You do so, and the once prim and clean half-elf was covered in dust.

“Adaene. Why didn’t you surrender when you were grappled?”

She stiffened.

“I saw an opportunity, sir.”

“Hm.” The professor crossed his arms. “Altair, in a real fight what would you have done in that situation?”

“That depends, was she possessed or under an ailment?”

“No. Let’s say she’s a bandit.”

“I would have snapped her neck or stabbed her with my dagger.” You answer plainly.

“Why didn’t you use your hemocraft? She certainly used her magic.”

“Hemocraft is for the enemy, they are an aid since we rely on our skills and weapons more.”

You see the professor now looking at Adaene with a stern yet flat expression.

“Ain’t that something.” The professor said. “Alright, change and go back up. Dane and Fabian, you two are up next.”

>“Good fight.”
>Go back up
>Write-in

>>5768972
>“Good fight.”
We probably should have used magic as well, but oh well. Gotta see if we can learn that smoke thing

>>5768972
>Good fight.”

>>5768972
>“Good fight.”
This is fine. Smug half elf gets scolded and covered in dust for a hollow victory. We didn't waste magic and life on a spar. Itd be good to think of a non magic counter to just getting smoked. Maybe some classic pocket sand.

>>5769023
God I love this idea

>>5769014
>>5769023
>>5768984

Counted

“Good fight.”

You extend your hand. Adaene looked at your hand for a brief moment then bristled in disgust, as if she sensed some black aura. Bloodletters always had that reaction with other magic users, so this was not a surprise. She exhaled slowly and took your hand.

“You as well.”

Huh. You couldn’t help but smile.

“Thank you.”

Lunch.

You sit alone, at least, you thought you were going to. A hood student approached you and sat down directly across. A tiefling with blue skin and black hair. His hood hid the upward curved horns.

“Hey, I was the one who threw the note. My name is Osiris. Call me Oz.”

“Hello Oz. Nice to meet you.”

“Likewise. I’m looking for a specific chimeron.”

Oz’s small notebook showed a picture of a chimeron, a bipedal beast with a goat and a bull’s head. The part that surprised you was the fingers, replaced by snakes and the other arm made of stones. A pattern you’ve never seen.

“My mentor might have seen this so I can send him a message.”

“Your mentor?”

You gather the remaining vegetables on a spoon.

“Yes, and there’s the order’s library but I’ve never been to the headquarters myself.”

“Why not?”

“No real reason, every bloodletter’s just busy.” You said with a shrug.

“Then thank you for your help. Is there something I can do for you? I feel bad for taking advantage of your kindness.”

>You quietly mumbled “I could use some friends…”
>“What are some places I can be alone in?”
>Write-in

>>5769306
>You quietly mumbled “I could use some friends…”

>>5769306
>Write-in
"I am here to learn. Tell me about yourself, about the half elf Adaene, and if you know of an unreasonable woman who tends the garden in the Alchemy room."

>>5769306
>>You quietly mumbled “I could use some friends…”

>>5769470
>>5769318

Votes counted

No

Feeling a bit under the weather, I'll update this tomorrow

>>5770713
Feel better and rest well qm

“I could use some friends.”

You quietly mumbled. He stared at you blankly, not replying for a long time.

“I mean… sure. I’m not saying no it’s that I have friends and us tieflings don't take others non-tieflings easily. You know how it is but that doesn’t mean I’ll ignore you or anything.”

“I understand.”

You look down at your tray, unsure if you want to meet his gaze. It does make sense, Tiefling were one of many races ostracized. Fortunately for them, tiefling have a tight knit community and a sense of bond between any tieflings.

“Thanks.” Oz said sheepishly. “Look, I’ll ask my friends. Not many helps out us tieflings, that should mean something to them. Gotta go.”

Once again, you sat alone at the lunch table.

You roamed around the academy grounds, drifting without much of a thought. Normally a student would have two more classes, for you, they were empty. After you wash yourself in the student male bath house, you wait in the staff room. The goliath professor approached.

“Hello Professor Yasha.” You said politely.

“Hello, Altair.” Professor Yasha said. “Come, I’ll show you to your first exchange professor.”

You arrive at the same arena, except a giant bear rug was on the floor.

“Which will be me.”

You sit across the professor with a bucket between you and him. He scooped up a white milky liquid and poured it on a bowl.

“Here.”

Even from here you could smell the alcohol. This is airag, a fermented milk made from horse, a common drink for goliaths.

>Take the drink
>“I never thought I’d drink airag here.”
>“Is it alright to drink on school grounds?”
>Write-in

Another update will be made cause I missed yesterday

>>5771010
>>Take the drink

>>5771010
>>Take the drink

>>5771010
>Take the drink

>>5771146
>>5771134
>>5771016

Votes counted

With two hands you gently touch the bowl and take it. The sour yet sweet milky flavor softly spreads in your mouth, it has been a long time since you had a good airag. They’re not common enough to buy whenever you like, too easy to spoil and not everyone drinks horse milk after all. You finish it one gulp and wipe your lips.

“Looks like you drank this before. Not a lot can drink it in one go.”

“My mentor and I worked with a horde before when we were hunting gnoll raiders.”

Yasha nodded attentively.

“Which tribe?”

“The Uegur. In exchange for their horses and guidance of the Black Plains we provided labor and exchanged knowledge.”

The stony visage raised a piqued eyebrow.

“Kala Ueguru?”

“Jachim, mahala jijig.” You raised your bowl, and the professor refilled it. “Three months was not long enough to master it unfortunately.”

“But you took time to learn it.”

The conversation went on, mostly him asking about your experiences. Towns and empires you have visited over the years. Monster you hunted, the shadows you lurked.

“You clearly have more experiences than any students. Even more than the fourth year students.” Yasha rubbed his chin. “The dark army is getting bolder and now we’re sending children to die.”

He set his empty bowl and you raised your bowl to be refilled. This time, you both drank in silence.

“Take time to have fun here. Have something to remember.” Yasha said.

“I’ll remember being ignored.”

It was too late to catch the words.

“Children fear what they can’t understand.”

The next morning, you wake up by a soft knock.

“Hello?”

You open the door, revealing a-

>A female satyr with a ban over an eye
>The half-elf you met
>An owlin

>>5771371
>The half-elf you met

File: dap.jpg (52 KB, 750x563)

52 KB JPG

>>5771371
>Write in
>Oz and a couple other Tieflings offering to give dap
Pic related. He wouldn't leave us hanging with no friends.

>>5771371
>>A female satyr with a ban over an eye

gonna need a tie breaker guys

>>5771371
>>A female satyr with a ban over an eye

>>5772316
>>5772238

Counted

File: Satyr.jpg (55 KB, 800x876)

55 KB JPG

A satyr with a bang over one eye sheepishly waited. She gazed at the ground, as if you were down there. She fidgeted her dark brown hair, staring down at her hooves. You kept the door slightly open.

“Can I help you?”

“The student president wants to see you. I’m supposed to guide you there.”

“Sure, let me just get dressed.”

You and the satyr girl walk along the bricked road. Not even a week had passed but you were already used to people avoiding your eyes. You enter through a double door on the fifth floor. You saw Adaene along with other students, one sitting at the center was a young gnoll.

“Hey Eukar, I brought the exchange student.”

Less pronounced snout. Hyena like ears. Closer to human hand than paws. Relax Altair. Keep your hands at your sides. She’s a half-gnoll. You watch the half-gnoll approach and see her human legs, though you see her thicker nails that’s been filed.

“Greetings, my name is Eukar Dominiae.”

She extended her hand, on touch you feel a similar sensation of a paw.

“I’m Altair.”

“So I’ve heard. Please, take a seat.”

You sat across from the Eukar with Adaene behind.

“You already met her but this is my vice president, Adaene Abernant.”

“So, what did you bring me here for?”

You watched Adaene place a cup of tea on her table and handing one to you.

“As student council, we oversee student conduct. Needs of a student and general matters that relate to a student.” She said with a smile. “We also manage the top ranked students to scout the gaps of Yore that the adventurers either missed or could not reach in their schedule. I’d like you to join that rank.”

>“What’s in it for me?”
>“Why should I?”
>Accept
>Decline
>Write-in

>>5773014
>“What’s in it for me?”
>Accept

>>5773014
>>Accept

>>5773014
>Accept

>Write in
>"Is there a reason I was sought out in particular?"

Vote only one thing please

>>5773055
>>5773043
>>5773024

I'll just take >Accept

>>5773064
>>5773091
I suggest it may be better to clarify when only one choice is acceptable going forward. It wouldn't be irrational to assume that we otherwise had the option to accept once a question of ours is answered, whatever that question may be.

>>5773129
Hella fair senpai, I forgot to post the rules that I usually post in my other qst

File: Eurka.jpg (38 KB, 458x687)

38 KB JPG

[Will clean the sketch but this is the general idea]

Well, maybe this way you can interact with people without scaring others. Being with the so-called “top ranks” was also interesting. That had to include the student council.

“Sure. but if you don’t mind me asking. Why me?”

Eukar nodded with a close lipped smile, though you already noticed her sharp canines. A half-gnoll, you heard of them but never saw one until her. She could pass for a different beast-folk, maybe a leonin or some other canine species.

“You possess skills that we look for. And…” She paused for a brief moment. “I owe my life to the bloodletters, they rescued my family when I was a child.”

“Another bloodletter?”

“Yes, I was adopted by a beast-folk caravan and we were ironically attacked by gnolls. We would have all died if not for him. I know your… colleagues. Is that the right word?”

“Technically, I’m not a full fledged Bloodletter yet.”

“What makes a full fledged Bloodletter?”

“I choose a Hemocraft School, it’s a specialization. My mentor is in the Red Wake School, he uses hemocraft that enhances his body. That doesn’t mean we’re bound to one style, just how we prefer to fight.”

She nodded attentively.

“Interesting. But yes, that is why I wish you to join us and I’m glad you did.” Eukar set her tea cup without a sound. “I won’t have an assignment yet, but until you do please enjoy the academy. If there’s something you wish to pursue, the academy will provide it. If I may ask, do you have plans this weekend?”

You were going to

>Send the mail to find about the chimeron
>Training
>Nothing much
>Visit the alchemy laboratory again
>Write-in

>>5773795
>>Training

>>5773795
>Send the mail to find about the chimeron

>>5773795
>Send the mail to find about the chimeron

A bit busy today will update tomorrow

>>5773999
>>5774020

Counted

Sending a letter to mentor was a difficult thing. For one, every bloodletter does not stay in one place too long. They’re always on the move. You stare at the chimeron,the a bipedal beast with a goat and a bull’s head. Creating fingers meant complexity from the creator and the creature’s intelligence. Quadruped was the more common kind.

At your quarters, you dip your quill into the inkwell. You describe the chimeron and the context that Oz gave you.

You roll up the scroll and tie it up with a small string. You draw a simple transportation circle and send the letter to the order’s headquarter, where it will be sent to your mentor. Your only hope is that the letter would arrive on time.

The chimeron did interest you however.

At the library, you prowl the shelves. While most bestiaries have chimerons they were of the normal kind, no specific bestiaries covered them, not any books that covered general creatures anyways. You needed to delve further in.

“This is harder than I thought.”

You put the book back into the shelf and wonder what section would have something this specific?

>Necromancy
>Druidcraft
>Alchemy
>Physiology
>Ask the librarian?
>Write-in

>>5775444
>Ask the librarian?

>>5775444
>>Ask the librarian?

>>5775444
>Ask the librarian?

>>5775444
>>Ask the librarian?

>>5775449
>>5775880
>>5775952
>>5776098

Counted

You search around the reception area, hopefully the only reception area otherwise the librarian isn’t here. Set near the entrance, the reception table was empty. Actually, the library itself was terribly hollow. You didn’t even see a single student in your time inside the library.

“It's not everyday I find a student here on the weekends.”

A blonde woman approached, dressed in school uniform carrying a stick in her hand and wearing a flower patterned blindfold. Either she was assigned here as a cruel joke or there was something else. Usually the blind tend to be blind, but if they had a weapon they were either stupid or incredibly skilled or not truly blind. This one… well you learned not to judge someone by their appearance, she had to be in this academy for a reason.

“I assure you, I may be blind but I do work here. How can I help you?”

Shit, you were thinking for too long.

“Hello, I’m looking for a book on chimerons, one that might have a list of different variables? Maybe one that’s uncommon.”

“Uncommon chimerons.” She paused briefly. “Perhaps in history sections. Though something this specific will only result in one or two books.”

“Do you know any?”

She put her hands on her hips and smiled.

“Of course I do.”

You followed her to the section.

“So, what’s your name?”

“I’m Henrietta Del-Prix. I’m the library assistant.”

>“Did you volunteer to be here?”
>“Are you actually blind?”
>Write-in

>>5777040
>Write-in
>"Good to meet you, I'm Altair. I appreciate the... well, assistance."

>>5777040
Support
The library assistant is here but not the actual librarian?

>>5777136
+1

>>5777136
This

>>5777136
Counted

>>5777140
All in due time

“Good to meet you, I'm Altair. I appreciate the... well, assistance.”

“Altair? You must be the new exchange student.”

“You heard about me?”

She giggled.

“While you lost, lasting that long against Adaene is a feat. Some say you were the real winner.”

“Huh… I didn’t know about that.”

Her blonde hair shined from the sunlight through the windows. The rhythmic tap of her can echoed inside the library. The black ribbon swayed ever so slightly, enough to have your eyes stuck to it like a cat.

“So, where’s the librarian if you’re the assistant?”

“The librarian is technically a staff member on rotation. But with so many of them being busy it falls to me and my friends. It’s really just a place for us to be in.”

“Huh, that makes sense I guess.”

You reach to the history section and without assistance, she picked out the books. One named ‘Chimerons Throughout The Ages’ and ‘History of Yore Vol.52’. You and Henrietta both cough as the dust fly.

“There we go.”

You take the book and return to the reception area. You sign your name on the borrow sheet.

“Thank you for your help.”

“It’s what I’m here for.”

The rest of the day was spent on searching but to no avail. There were bipedal chimerons but nothing like the ones Oz described. Come Monday, the classes went on as usual. This time you weren’t called on by the Professor Yasha. After finishing your lunch, you still had plenty of time to spend.

>Look for Oz
>Get lunch
>Go to the library
>See what Eukar is doing
>Write-in

>>5778111
>>Look for Oz

>>5778111
>>See what Eukar is doing

>>5778111
>See what Eukar is doing

>>5778111
>Look for Oz
Best let him know how that chimeron situation is going, and see if we got some more buddies yet.

>>5778111
>>Look for Oz

>>5779118
>>5778416
>>5778140

Counted

Finding a tiefling was more difficult than you thought. While easy to spot, the academy was a big place. The library, cafeteria, and the central campus yielded no results. That is, until you saw a group of students ganging up on two tiefling.

“If you have an issue why bother her and not the professor?” The tiefling said.

The female blue skinned tiefling stood in front of a red skinned tiefling. The aggressing group was composed of a human female, half elves and a dwarf.

“It’s obvious that he pitied you, I should have been in that advanced class.”

“Resign, or else.”

“Eat. Shit.”

You walk between the group and face the tiefling.

“Excuse me, I’m sorry for interrupting but, have you seen Oz?”

The girl blankly stared at you.

“Oz?”

“Yes, I did a request for him.”

“Excuse you, we were in a middle of a conversation.”

>You mean antagonizing someone
>Ignore her
>Tell her to shut up

>>5780198
>>You mean antagonizing someone

>>5780198
>You mean antagonizing someone
Is Altair tall? Bloodletters sound fairly martial leaning. More bulk or more lean would you say.

>>5780356
Because you guys chose two handed option Altair will be considered tall for humans

>>5780198
>You mean antagonizing someone

>>5780198
>You mean antagonizing someone

>>5780198
>Ignore her
Seethe

>>5780670
>>5780416
>>5780356
>>5780346

Counted

“You mean in the middle of antagonizing someone.” You spat back.

It was difficult to understand this bullying. Tiefling were born from demonic influence. Be it a deal made in past generations, innate demonic powers, or simply having a tiefling parents. They were not demon incarnate or some being destined to be an evil lord. They were… people, with dreams, fear, and goals.

“They-”

“I already heard it. It’s not their fault you were inadequate.” You glared back.

“How dare you!”

“Anyways, I’m looking for Oz. Mind helping me look for him?”

The blue tiefling nodded. Whatever the girl said went on ignored. You follow the two tiefling in silence, through you could hear them whispering to one another. You arrive at a small classroom far from the main campus.

“Wait here.” The blue tiefling said.

After a moment the door opened. Inside were not only tieflings but half-orcs, dwarves, and even a half-elf.

“Hey Altair.”

“Hello Oz. I’m here to tell you about the chimeron you were searching for.”

“The chimeron, Oz don’t tell me you’re still-”

Oz snapped toward the blue tiefling.

“What I do is my business Nephtyts!”

The sibling soon descended into an argument.

“Sorry about those two. Looks like ye got dragged into Oz’s search. Name’s Walm.”

A dwarf said.

“Nice to meet you. What do you mean by their search?”

“Their mother was murdered by that chimeron and thanks to their affinity with demonic sorcery they were allowed to enroll here.” Walm said. “Ever since then he’s been searching for that chimeron.”

“Gotta respect his drive at least.” A half-orc said.

“And that’s his sister?”

“Yep.” The dwarf said with a nod.

>“So what’s with this group?”
>“Sounds like Nephtyts is against it.”
>Write-in

>>5781563
>“So what’s with this group?”

>>5781563
>“So what’s with this group?”

>>5781563
>“So what’s with this group?”

>>5781563
>So what’s with this group?”

>>5781563
>“So what’s with this group?”

>>5781937
>>5781731
>>5781657
>>5781649

Counted, a lil busy today update will be tomorrow

“Half orcs, tieflings, dwarves, I’ve never seen this kind of group before.”

Walm shrugged.

“We’re just simple folks sticking up fer each other.” The dwarf then got between the two arguing siblings. “Alright alright, that’s enough both of ye. Oz, don’t you have someone to thank.”

“R-Right.”

Oz extended his hand and you shook it.

“Thank you, I appreciate the effort.”

“No problem, I already sent a letter to my mentor as well so maybe he’ll have an answer.”

“And I apologize for my brother for dragging you into his… obsession. I’m Nephtyts, his sister.”

“Nice to meet you.”

“You’re the new exchange student right? You’re welcome to hang around with us if you’d like. You already helped Ashra and Aurys. You’re good in my book.” Npehtyts said.

“I’d like that.”

You got to know the group well before you left. The next class started, this time you met with

>Professor Yasha
>Professor Hoffman
>Eukar

>>5783198
>>Professor Hoffman
I am kind of tempted to see Yasha again since he was based or Eukar, but Hoffman also had two hatchets on his belt despite his scholarly appearance.

>>5783198
>Professor Hoffman

>>5783198
>>Professor Hoffman

>>5783198
>>Professor Hoffman

>>5783198
>Professor Yasha

>>5783283
>>5783719
>>5783728
>>5783933

counted

“Mr.Altair, come in come in!”

“Hello Professor.”

Instead of an office full of mounted heads or trophies, Professor Hoffman had a simple desk and a bookshelf. No paint, or even some kind of mementos. A plain office. You sat across from him in a cushioned swivel chair.

“Tea? And feel free to have these too.”

“Thank you.”

He handed you a tea cup with fine china. Professor Hoffman poured his own from a dainty porcelain teapot. You tasted the small biscuit from a glass bowl, not too flavorful but sweet enough.

“How are your class going?”

“Well.”

“I heard the spar between you and Ms.Abernant was quite close.”

Sunlight poured through the window, and the scent of chamomile eased lulled your senses.

“It was.”

“Ms.Abernant is quite skilled indeed. What about the academy, how are you finding it so far?”

“It’s alright.”

Professor Hoffman sipped on his quietly, then placed the cup on the saucer without a sound. For a man with thick fingers, he was quite dexterous.

“Have you made any friends?”

“I think so? A lot of people stays away from me.”

Hoffman hummed, unsure of your answer. Did they count as friends? Making friends were harder than you thought. Professor Hoffman twirled his mustache.

“Children…” Hoffman huffed. “Bloodletters have a bad reputation though it’s unwarranted. Shameful.”

“It’s alright, we’re used to it.”

“You shouldn’t be.”

Most of the conversation led to him questioning about your life and time as a bloodletter. By the time it finished, the sun had begun to set.

“My, sunset already. I shouldn’t keep you long anymore. Have a good evening.”

“You as well professor.”

By the time you walked back to your quarters, moonlight lit the academy. A scream echoed. You did not bring you weapons with you save for a small dagger you always carried.

>Go immediately
>Get your ax and move
>Try to find a professor and go with him

>>5784537
>Go immediately
Is it time to try out the ol blood magic? Maybe use the shield or the reaction increase.

>>5784537
>>Get your ax and move

>>5784537
>Get your ax and move

>>5784537
>>Get your ax and move

>>5784537
>>Go immediately

>>5784793
>>5784713
>>5784615

Votes counted

You sprinted to your room and grabbed your ax, some potions, and your helmet. In the moonlit grounds, your foot slammed against the pavement, your heart quickened, and prayed the victim was still alive. The air shriveled to a musty scent, bit of dust and oil scents flowed in the air. You take the ax with your hands and follow the scent.

Closer.
Closer..
Closer…

There.

You saw a gaunt man, at least seven feet tall and sickly skinny, with a skin paler than the moonlight. Blood coated his lips. He bared his fangs, each sharp as a dagger and jagged as a rock. Not a vampire, no, a thrall-ghoul. A vampire would be able to get away. A student lied still with a pool of blood originating from his throat. Now, what kind of thrall-ghoul is it?

“Surrender and receive judgment, ghoul.”

The ghoul replied with an inhuman moan. A canon fodder thrall-ghoul, the lowest in a vampire’s thrall hierarchy.

>The student’s probably dead. Take out the ghoul first.
>The student’s condition is priority, ensure his safety first.
>Write-in

>>5786772
>The student’s probably dead. Take out the ghoul first.

Basic first aid really, take care of yourself and the obvious fucking threat before you worry for someone else.

>>5786772
>The student’s probably dead. Take out the ghoul first.
Strike the spawn down. I wonder if the blood pool could be used for our own hemocraft.

>>5786772
>>The student’s probably dead. Take out the ghoul first

>>5787008
>>5786963
>>5786861

Counted

The student’s probably dead. Ghouls rip throats out, vampires use their fangs. The ghoul’s slack shoulder sway and its skinny legs shamble toward you, covered in filthy brown rags. The sunken bloodshot eyes locked on to you, its next prey. You ready your ax.

It lunged. You dodge. You pivot your foot, twist your torso and swing your ax. The ghoul bends its back backward with a wet snap. Your ax missed the hit, you quickly jump away.

Nasty little thing.

The rotting stench of the ghoul’s body assaults your nose. For a deadly fight, the area was silent. The lamppost above and the moonlight allowed your sight. You lock on to the ghoul’s almond shaped head and its gray colored skin. The ghoul leaped again and flailed its clawed hands, swinging its long skinny arms.

You feel the solid grip of your ax, the rising heartbeat.

>Aim for its arms or at least the ghoul’s hand
>Get past the arm’s range and close in
>Use hemocraft then write-in
Cast Hemocraft 1: Waning Blood-Moon [Make your reaction faster, a risky but a high reward spell in this situation]
Cast Hemocraft 2: Red Tremor [Send a shockwave all around, clearing the smoke and possible staggering the half-elf]
Cast Hemocraft 3: Full Blood-Moon [Form a shield around you for an easier counter attack]

>>5787046
I imagine we have the range advantage with the two-handed axe, let’s not waste it.

>Aim for its arms or at least the ghoul’s hand

Disable it, then go for the kill.

>>5787046
>Use hemocraft then write-in
Cast Hemocraft 1: Waning Blood-Moon and then cut off its arms or hands. This is a real enemy, go all in

>>5787046
>>5787145 +1

>>5787145
Supporting

>>5787145
+2

>>5787145
Counted

Will update tomorrow

Power coursed into your veins. Your heartbeat increased its pace. The world dyed into a red haze. Poetically enough, you saw the moon. The air tasted different, a spark that tingle your mouth, numbing your muscles. You heard the rustling leaves, the distant hoot of owls, you smelled the ghoul’s stench, all in slow motion.

The ghoul launched slowly. Well, slow to you. Sidestep. You raise your ax, then put your momentum into the swing. The blade of the ax cleaves through the first arm. The ghoul bellowed an enraged shriek.

Good.

The ghoul flailed its only arm. You go through the same motion. Sidestep. Cleave. The second arm flew in the air. The blood splattered on the pavement, the armless ghoul charged again. You sprinted forward, and buried the ax right between the ghoul’s eyes. Fog envelops your brain, a fuzzy yet pleasant sensation lulled your body back steadily.

What now?

>Get a teacher
>Examine the student
>Examine the ghoul

I'll update again soon as I get 3 votes at least.

>>5789475
>Examine the student

>>5789475
>>Examine the student

>>5789475
>>Examine the student

>>5789659
>>5789602
>>5789540
Counted

Age around fifteen or sixteen years, male human with medium build with well tone body. The throat was open, mangled from the bite from the ghoul. From the uniform he was a first year. Other than the blood, his hands and clothes had no damages at all. You rummage his pockets and find nothing of importance. This location was far from the main campus, a small street tucked between two buildings, a quiet place for sure.

Late night studying?
A nightly walk?

The two buildings were two small lecture buildings where graduate students or advanced students would be, hence the small size. Perhaps he may be a student in an advanced class but that did not explain why he would be here.

“My word!”

You turn around to see Professor Hoffman and other professors rushed over to you.

“Are you alright Mr.Altair?”

“I’m fine. This is a thrall-ghoul and the student is dead.”

“A thrall-ghoul here?” A professor said. “That means…”

“A vampire.” Professor Yasha said with a grim scowl. “Maybe here or in nearby towns…”

“Either way, I’ll escort you back.” Professor Hoffman said. “We’ll take care of this.”

>Go back to your quarters
>“There might be more, I’ll go around and search.”
>“This is my duty, I’ll stay here and see what else I can find.”
>Write-in

>>5789849
>“This is my duty, I’ll stay here and see what else I can find.”

Do thrall-ghouls bear any mark or carry proof of ownership? Vampires might be the type to be arrogant enough to mark their possessions, especially if they are brazen enough to attack a relatively well-defended like a school of adventuring.
Another possibility is that the attack was not due to arrogance but rather convenience or a lack of options: if they are a student or a member of faculty they might be unable to leave academy grounds, so they made territory here.

>>5789849
>“This is my duty, I’ll stay here and see what else I can find.”
>Write in
"I think the vampire is a student."
Taken by surprise with no wounds on arms from even trying to defend himself. I'd expect an advanced student to at least be able to defend himself in a mundane manner by raising his arms, one with a well trained body especially. Not out here for training as hes in his regular uniform, or studying or he might have had books or notes atleast. The location and time is especially remote. Perhaps he was personally invited out here for a midnight rendezvous, except no one but the ghoul was waiting for him. We should check the immediate area to be sure there isn't another student nearby. If we assume someone did lure this person out here then he was chosen as a desirable or easy victim. If we assume the vampire's taste in blood is one of discriminating taste, it is perhaps a female vampire who wanted the blood of a healthy man. If it was a matter of ease then it would be someone who could easily approach this young man. A student vampire.

>>5789849
>>“There might be more, I’ll go around and search.”

>>5789849
>“This is my duty, I’ll stay here and see what else I can find.”

>>5789972
>>5789954
>>5790188

Next update will be on thread 2

>>5790333
Don't leave me hanging Servo